First, make sure you have the client base in place.  That means networking with investors, lawyers, bankers and accountants that can point you in the right direction.  Most of all, you need to have number of existing relationships with large and medium sized developers and governmental agencies that can hire you and your team.

Secondly, make sure that you have the capital in place to finance your team, tools and equipment.  You will also have administrative costs to run an office including rent, staff and the day to day issues.  The funds can come from a loan, an investment or your personal funds. The SBA may even provide a loan.

Third, make sure to get all of your licenses and bonds so that clients will take you seriously.  You also need to pay for insurance which will come when you have enough financing.  Working on risky projects requires a big expense for insurance costs.

Lastly, you will need a way to staff up your firm.  You need to work with third party organizations that have the resources and network to quickly grow your team with high quality individuals.

WeBuild Staffing is the leader in helping construction and engineering firms to build up their teams quickly. In a pinch, the company can produce many high quality workers and team members to help establish your growing business.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Going on interview after interview; with no job offers can bring anyone’s self-esteem down. Human resources and hiring managers are very keen individuals and they can recognize when an individual who is interviewing with them is struggling or depressed. This has a strong impact on your chances of obtaining your next career opportunity. Having a strong support network and coping mechanisms in place that you can rely on will aide you greatly in keeping positive and making the right impression on job interviews.

Find A Group Of Trusted Advisers

When you are searching for a job you may feel alienated from the rest of the world. It is important to not cut yourself off from the business community. Developing relationships with like mind professionals; individuals you have worked with in the past, civic leaders, people you respect and trust will allow you to stay up to date and connected. It will also allow you to communicate your thoughts or ask for advice as you progress through the hurdles in your job search.

Volunteer To Work With A Non-Profit

Going from working 40 hours a week to sitting at home all day can greatly impact your self-esteem. There were many reasons you worked, the since of accomplishment, the pride of the job you were doing, the people you were helping, etc.. All of which can be recaptured by working for a non-profit, even if you are not being paid. It will also allow you to network with business leaders provide you a sense of daily purpose and greatly improve your emotional outlook as you search for a job.

Be Positive

Projecting a sense of positivity and showing a sense of purpose will greatly aide you job search and interviewing success. Individuals that are depressed or downbeat typically drive employers away from hiring them. You want to demonstrate in your life a positive sense of purpose.

There are many ways to do this, but the most effective is reflecting on your past accomplishments, your skills, and abilities, family life. You need to remember that you can provide a valuable contribution to any organization. You past employer saw this, that why they hired you. Take some time to write down these accomplishments and place them somewhere you will see every day. This will greatly help you project a positive outlook in your job search.

Utilize Social Media And LinkedIn

Social Media can be a great tool to utilize in searching for a job, as well as, connecting with folks around the world that have common professional interests. Use your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills, accomplishments, connect with like-minded professionals and share your ideas through these platforms.

You will be surprised how quickly you build your professional network of contacts and how you will be recognized by employers and individuals alike in your profession.

Find A Local Support Group

Having professional contacts and advisors are all great; but there are times when you need to rely on individuals that maybe outside your professional life. Finding a local support group maybe the answer for you.

Often the thought of going to a support group at your local church or community center may seem a little extreme. The general perception is that people who go to these meetings have problems and need help, but in reality most people who go to these meetings are just like you. They are trying to share their stories, experiences, see what others are encountering while working through their particular situation.
People find they are good places to talk with resourceful individuals, be accepted and learn new things to help them in their job search process. Most people end up building long term friendships with people that last years.

Make Sure You Allow Some Time For Yourself

When you are searching for a job you mind is in a constant state of worry. Where will your next job come from? How are you going to find it? Who should you be calling? Sending resumes to?

You do not want your entire life obsessed with finding a job, it’s emotionally and physically unhealthy. You still have a life, interests, friends and family. Take time to enjoy those interests and step away from the job search regularly. It will greatly help your emotional state of mind and health.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Here are a 5 tips that will allow you to recognize the signs of professional burnout so you can take action before you or someone you know burns out.

1. Are you always tired, exhausted, stressed out or just walking around in a daze going through the motions at work? If so, you are probably at that burnout state. Most people get to a point where fatigue caused by long term stress, can cause health problems and make you more prone to sickness.

2. Memory Problems? Are you forgetting things? Have too much going on at one time? Stress can lead to cognitive memory problems. So if you keep forgetting things it’s time to slow down.

3. Eating a lot of fast food? Not exercising? Sleeping way too much? Not going to the doctor or dentist for basic checkups? You’re not taking care of the most important thing, yourself!! If your work schedule, projects and responsibilities are putting your personal health at the back of the line. It’s time to stop and take stock of where you are.

4. Thinking about work all the time? Stressed about deadlines? Not relaxing while at home? Becoming less productive? If you’re beginning to feel isolated and overwhelmed by your responsibilities then you may be showing signs of depression and extreme burnout. It’s time to reach out to family, co-workers and friends for help. Continuing along in this state will greatly affect your long-term health and career.

5. Is your family life suffering? Are you having marriage problems? Are you spending most of your time at work? There is a reason, you are burned out. It’s time to take stock of your life and get things back on track. Even if it means changing jobs, taking a sabbatical or a prolonged vacation.

Professional burnout is one of the greatest problems in today’s workplace. The most successful professionals are the ones that have the abilities to balance the demands of life, recognize burnout and prioritize their responsibilities to make sure they are able to maintain a balanced life. Even if it takes asking for assistance or help with projects.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Most employers want their employees to exhibit confidence, strength and provide an excellent service to their clients; when you are interviewing for a job you always want to show your abilities to handle stress and portray a professional image. When you place to much stress on yourself to get the job in an interview setting you may find your job search beginning to spiral out of control.

So here are some tips to keep your stress and anxiety under control;

(1) Prepare and do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. Learn about their products, services, corporate culture, the job you are interviewing for, who you will be interviewing with and make a list of questions you can ask.

(2) Practice interviewing. Practicing interviewing will make you more comfortable in an interview setting. Rehearse typical questions you may be asked in the interview. Ask a friend to interview you or use a video camera to interview yourself; knowing how it feels to be interviewed will greatly relieve the stress in a real interview setting.

(3) Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Practice talking about yourself.

(4) Visit the interview site the day before your interview; so you don’t get lost looking for it right before your interview. See what people are wearing

(5) Prepare you clothes the night before. Wear clean, properly fitting clothing that fits the environment in which you will be interviewing.

(6) Get enough sleep the night before; do not go to an interview looking tired and worn-out. Eat a good breakfast the day of the interview.

(7) Arrive to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early.

(8) Consider the interview a two way conversation; this is not an interrogation. During the interview focus your attention on the interviewer, ask questions and think about your answers. If necessary pause a few seconds to think about what you are going to say first.

(9) Bring examples of your work with you; having visual aids always helps to presenting your experience to an interviewer. Show off your hard work, celebrate the success you have had.

Utilizing these simple tips will help combat your interview anxiety and succeed in obtaining your next career opportunity.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

(1) Are you qualified for the opportunity you are interviewing for?

The first step in any job search is to review the job description for the position you are interviewing for and make sure you are qualified for the opportunity. Take notes on each qualification an employer is seeking and make sure you have the experience to perform the duties at hand. Use this as a guide in interviewing; to give examples of your experiences, projects you have worked on, obstacles you have overcome, etc. during the interview. This will only emphasize your background to the employer and convince them of your qualifications.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are interviewing for positions which you are not qualified; you will want to reflect on how you will convince a potential employer that you can do the job. In most cases if you are not qualified for a position it will become very clear to the interviewer rather quickly during the interview; do not set yourself up for failure. If you are applying for jobs that are clearly above your qualification level and not getting them it’s time to redirect your job search efforts on positions that you are clearly qualified for.

(2) Are you interested and sincerely excited about the job opportunity?

Does the position excite you or are you simply interviewing because you need a paycheck. You want to work in a career that you are interested in, excited about going to work for every day. If you simply going to interview after interview and are not excited about the opportunities; you need to reflect on the types of jobs that you are currently interviewing for and redirect your efforts to positions that interest you. Employers want to hire individuals that are enthusiastic about working for them, and you need to show that passion in your interview.

(3) Are you establishing a rapport with the interviewer?

As a candidate you need to show your personality. All too many times interviews become stale and routine. The candidate has a responsibility to establish a rapport with the interviewer. Make some small talk; conversations are enjoyable if they are a two way dialog. Ask questions, inquire about the organization, history, the interviewers background, how they enjoy working for the company all help in having a successful interview.

If you currently find yourself in a situation where all your interviews are stale and routine, you are not establishing this rapport. Think about questions you can ask prior to the interview to prepare yourself. This will go a long way to opening up doors within a company.

(4) Are you defining your value to a perspective employer? Are you over pricing yourself?

Salary is one of those items which you need to be prepared to discuss almost immediately with a potential employer. As a candidate you need to understand what an employer is seeking to pay for a desired opportunity up front. If you are interviewing for positions which are way below your expected compensation level; then you are wasting your time, as well as, the employers.

You additionally need to understand your value, what you are worth in the marketplace. Use salary guides, look at other positions in the field with the same qualifications, ask your peers what they make. You do not want to overprice yourself out of the marketplace. During the interview you need to establish your value to an employer; cite examples of work, accomplishments, have a clear understanding of their business and what you can bring to the organization. If you establish your value and the employer sees what you bring to an organization the your salary negotiations will be much easier.

(5) What are you career goals? Do you know?

Prior to any job search you need to have a clear understanding of your career goals and where you are heading. Have you written then down!! Employers will most likely want to know your goals and how you seek to accomplish them. Writing them down beforehand will aid you in being able to clearly express your goals to an employer.

(6) Are you presenting a professional, clean appearance?

You have most likely heard the saying ”image is everything..” how you present yourself for the first time to an employer will direct the tone of the interview. Your personal appearance will be one of the first things someone will judge you on. So make sure you clean up; dress professionally, present yourself in a well-organized and professional manner.

(7) Have you researched the employer before the interview?

Have you done your homework? Have you researched the employer you are interviewing with? Do you understand their business? If not, you better start!! As employers are looking for candidates that take initiative and are intelligent. Researching and preparing yourself for the interview puts you ahead of the crowd in an interviewers mind when they see you clearly understand their business and have a clear understanding of their organization and goals.

(8) Are you selling yourself and presenting your accomplishments clearly?

Sell yourself!! Talk about your accomplishments, experiences, goals, etc.. If you are just sitting in interviews and answering questions that are asked, you most likely will not get the job. You need to sell yourself!! You might have the greatest business mind in the world, but if you don’t talk about your accomplishments, skills, projects and qualifications then no one will know.

(9) Are you asking questions and communicating professionally?

Asking questions during the interview will help in clearly demonstrating your interest in an opportunity. It will show the interviewer you are interested in learning more and aid in establishing a professional and successful two way dialog.

Using the above items to reflect on will help you in having successful interview experiences; the best interviews are usually the ones where the candidate is relaxed and communicates professionally and clearly. Don’t get caught up in the details, but be prepared and ready to put your best foot forward.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

So when answering this question you want to present yourself in the most basic terms for a potential employer to understand. Why you chose this profession, How your career has evolved, how you have advanced, what responsibilities you have undertaken, projects you have succeed with, obstacles you have overcome, where you are looking to advance to now; are all important factors that need to be considered when answering this basic question.

So what is your story? Do you know? Have you sat down to think about it? Practice it? Well let’s start…

First, make sure your resume is complete. Check all your online profiles (blogs, professional associations, social media, etc.) to assure they match up to what you will provide to employers in your resume. Be genuine and make sure you can back up anything you place on the resume or communicate to an employer. Consistency in your story is key. Always make sure you are able to get all of your strengths conveyed with confidence.

Second, sit down and outline what your story will be. It should always be based primarily off of your education and business experience. Walking an employer through our career for the last 5 to 10 years is probably best, don’t overwhelm them with all the details, but focus on how you progressed in the industry, advanced in rank and achieved success in each of the positions you have had. Focus on achievements, projects and how your overall experience has made you a much more rounded and valuable employee.

Do not get bogged down in detailed or personal issues that are not relevant to the position you are interviewing for; however if you have a personal skill that may benefit your potential employer don’t be afraid to share that as well, but make sure it is relevant. If it is a personal, social, or volunteer example, try to use only one scenario and be very specific with what your job was and how it benefited those involved. This is an easy area to start rambling off subject, so be very cautious when relaying personal stories.

Third, practice, practice, practice!!! Write your story down, stand in front of the mirror and present it, video tape yourself, ask a friend or spouse to listen to your story. Get feedback from them. Most of all learn to be comfortable talking about yourself and your career.

Having a story when talking with a potential employer will go a long way to creating a meaningful, two way dialog in an interview setting and the employer understanding how valuable an employee you would be to their organization.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

and thoughtful to meet your responsibilities and ensure project timelines remain on schedule and within budget. Thankfully, utilizing these project management tips can help you reduce the risk of failure and deliver projects more efficiently. 

Plan Strategically

Strategic planning is among the most important elements of project management. It helps you and everyone involved to know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. When planning out a project, you’ll have to identify deliverables – establish project milestones, determine required labor as well as equipment. Planning strategically will go a long way in maximizing efficiency.

Establish a Flow of Communication

Effective communication is essential for successful project completion. In fact, 59 percent of the US workers believe that communication is their team’s major obstacle to success. Therefore, as a PM you’ll need to establish a flow of communication with the stakeholders and suppliers as well as other team members on the ground. Good and bad news alike will need to circulate in a timely manner. Failure to do so will lead to delays, misunderstandings and other problems in the long run.

The contract documents, including the drawings, progress records, request for information (RFI), and change order forms establish the basis for all communication in any project. Thus, it’s vital that any direct communication that’s not stated in these documents be acknowledged, documented and reported via the right channels; this flow of communication will make preparation and implementation smoother.

For large and more complicated projects, tools such as Collaborative Work Management (CWM) will come in handy. Such tools will dramatically improve communication by syncing attachments, comments, news, budgets, and calendars and enhance real-time scheduling of changes. As a result, it will allow you more time to coordinate work at the site and direct your efforts towards success.

Form a Habit of Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

Managing a project requires integrated effort and more attention. A good PM should be an essential part of the project, working closely and figuratively alongside others. You’ll have to carefully analyze daily progress reports as well as keep an eye on schedule and budget. Many are the times you will need to actually see an issue in person before you can resolve it. In case the set timelines start to slip, you’ll need to identify the possible root cause and discuss ways to bring the project back on track.

In conclusion, the key to a successful project completion is being firm but flexible. Always ensure you’re looking ahead to understand the risks involved in the project and try to mitigate them before they become big problems.

If you are looking for a career as a project manager, Webuild Staffing is here to help. That’s what we do best every day – find exceptional professonals, exceptional jobs!

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Portfolios were originally used in the photography and design industry, but now have become very popular in the architectural, construction, engineering and environmental markets. When used properly they showcase your career history and provide an example of what you have accomplished from a project perspective, as well as, showcasing your professional growth with a solid collection of paper documentation or digital files in one cohesive location.

The portfolio allows you as a candidate to communicate with an interviewer on a deeper level; adding a visual aid will help create a two-way dialog in discussing how you would be a good fit for the position you are interviewing for.

The more experience you have the larger your portfolio will become over the years. It is a good idea to constantly update your portfolio and keep items within the portfolio relevant to the position you are interviewing for. You do not want to present an interviewer with a 100 page document of all the projects you have ever worked on. Keeping the most relevant and important items in the portfolio is best to be able to touch on those projects, reports or items and make the best use of your time during the interview.

When organizing your portfolio; items should be organized in sections; career documentation (resume, references, professional licenses, certifications, letters of reference, transcripts, and educational verification materials), project examples (project descriptions, project documentation, pictures, etc.) and work samples (reports and other documentation you created
that may be beneficial for a potential new employer to review).

If your portfolio is in hard copy, keep it as organized and clean as possible. Use a binder, section dividers / tabs and make sure the documents are securely fastened within and not wrinkled or torn.

As technology has advanced so significantly over the years in presenting information via digital media; you can additionally store your portfolio on a website, in a digital magazine, pdf or personal network in which you can utilize for presenting information to an interviewer via ipad, laptop or mobile phone during your interview. When done properly this can be a very effective method to have in your interviewing arsenal.

As with anything though, this is just one of many tools that candidates should be utilizing to communicate their experience during an interview. Candidates should always keep in mind the best tool to establish rapport and obtain a career opportunity is direct verbal communication with an interviewer the portfolio is only an aid to allow that communication channel to open up.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com